What Is an Equine Chiropractor's Work Day Like?
Most equine chiropractors are licensed chiropractors who specialize in the treatment of animals, or veterinarians who have taken courses in animal chiropractic techniques. A few veterinary colleges, such as Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine, offer chiropractic courses. Some people call themselves animal chiropractors who have very little training.
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Hours
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Most equine chiropractors' work days typically start as early as 8 a.m. and go until 6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and half-days on Saturday. Some equine chiropractors also have emergency hours in the evening, on holidays or on Sundays. Their work load varies, depending on number of clients.
Veterinarian
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Veterinarian equine chiropractors may be do chiropractic adjustments as a part of their regular practice, whether in their offices or during visits with some equine patients away from their offices.
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Equine Practice
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Veterinarians who limit their practice to equine chiropractic services generally spend their days on the road, making visits to the horses, although a few horses are brought to the office. Equine chiropractors may travel, as well, but need to have authorization from a licensed veterinarian to do on-site adjustments.
Non-veterinarian
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An equine chiropractor who is not a veterinarian spends the day the same as a full time equine chiropractic veterinarian, but with a veterinarian supervising. Dr. Michael Gleason of Tracy, California, a licensed chiropractor whose practice is limited to animals, says he may see 15 to 40 animals or as few as 3 when visiting veterinary offices, while, "With large animals... I may make 15 different stops at different barns, and I'll see anywhere from one horse to 10 horses at a barn," he said in a published interview.
Legalities
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David W. Ramey, D.V.M., who practices in Glendale, California, says that all states require that anyone who works on animals must be supervised by a veterinarian. Most states do not grant licenses specifically for equine chiropractic.
One Drawback
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Dr. Gleason said that, while most animals are tolerant of treatments, some "are also capable of showing displeasure; a horse can kill you with a kick or a bite."
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Powi) (Per Ola Wiberg
